Southeast Queens Press Epaper

Volume 14 Issue No. 1 Jan. 4-10, 2013

PAGE 18

PRESS Photo by Ira Cohen

YEAR IN REVIEW

A look back at the major events of 2012‌ Page 8

Online at www.QueensPress.com

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 4-10, 2013

News Briefs Bloomberg Announces Special Election For 31st District On Thursday, Jan. 3, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a special election for the 31st Council District in Queens.

The non-partisan election will be held in the district to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton), who recently accepted a seat in the New York State Senate.

The newly elected Council Member will serve in the role until Dec. 13, 2013. Pursuant to the City Charter, the nomination of candidates in this election will be by independent nominating, rather than through a party primary.

Pregnant Passenger Dies After Car Swerves Into Rosedale Marsh A pregnant woman was killed and three others injured after an Arverne woman, suspected of driving while intoxicated, lost control of her vehicle, crashing into a Rosedale marsh on Dec. 30, reports say.

Denise Finley of Arverne, was behind the wheel of her 2000 Ford Focus, carrying five passengers when her car swerved off of near the intersection of Brookville and Rockaway Boulevard into the marsh around 4:30 a.m. Two passengers escaped the submerged car and fled the scene in another vehicle, reports suggest.

Finley and the other passengers managed to escape the mangled car, but 25-year-old Dominique Jamison, an expecting mother, was trapped inside and later removed by medical technicians. She was later taken to Jamaica Hospital and pronounced dead.

According to reports, officers who responded to the scene said Finley smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes. It was also revealed that the suspect was driving without a license.

Finley is being charged with manslaughter, driving while intoxicated and driving without a license.

Six firefighters also suffered minor injuries during the rescue effort and were taken to Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park.

Jamaica Woman Still Missing The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in finding a Jamaica woman who has been missing since mid-December.

According to reports, 24-year-old

Marisha Cheong was last seen in her Jamaica home around 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 19.

Cheong is described as being anywhere from 5’3” to 5’9” and approximately 120-135 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about her disappearance is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their anonymous tips by logging on to the Crime Stoppers website atnypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577.

Male Killed In Hit-AndRun In Rosedale Police are still searching for a suspect in the hit-and-run of an unknown 31-year-old man.

According to reports, the unidentified male was standing near the corner of Francis Lewis Boulevard and 246th Street in Rosedale at approximately 3 a.m. on Dec. 19 when he was struck by an unknown vehicle.

Responders at the scene reported the victim was unconscious with several injuries all over his body. He was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he died a short time later.

Anyone with information about her disappearance is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their anonymous tips by logging on to the Crime Stoppers website atnypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577.

Two Suspects Charged in Teen Murder On Sunday, Dec. 31, two suspects were charged in connection to a shooting that left a 17-year-old boy dead outside a low-income development in Far Rockaway.

According to reports, Dashawn Deverow, 21, and Jamane Yarbrough, 16, were both charged with the morning shooting that killed Xavier Granville. Deverow was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon.

At approximately 12:33 a.m. on Dec. 30, Granville was found in front of 249 Beach 15th St, in the Oceanview II housing development, with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was discovered by a neighbor who was on her way out to work.

Some reports suggest the shooting was gang-related and identified Granville as a career criminal, but those reports have not been confirmed by police.

Jan. 4-10, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

No Deal From Congress On Sandy Relief

BY LUIS GRONDA

Photo by Ira Cohen

The United States Congress has now scheduled a vote on the billondollar aid package designed to help with recovery efforts from Superstorm Sandy, changing the earlier decision not to hold a vote on the package.

The package aims to give $60.4 billion to residents in New York, New Jersey and other areas who have been most affected by the storm. The Senate approved the bill on Dec. 28 and a vote on it had been expected by Wednesday, the last day the current Congress will be in session.

Now, because of the amount of displeasure voiced by elected officials over the decision, Speaker John Boehner, according to reports, told New York and New Jersey lawmakers that it will vote on the package by Jan. 15. On Friday, Congress will vote on a $9 billion flood insurance measure, followed by another vote for the remaining $51 billion on the same day.

Prior to the reversal, its decision not to vote on the bill has sparked anger from many politicians includ-

ing Queens elected offipeople affected by the cials. second worst natural Speaking on the floor disaster in our nation’s of Congress Wednesday, history,” Maloney said U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley, (Din a statement.

Jackson Heights) critiU.S. Rep. Grace cized Congressional ReMeng (D-Flushing) publicans for not voting also joined the line of on the aid package. politicians criticizing “In the weeks after the Congress for not holdstorm, Republicans told us ing a vote. they were with us, that Congress has yet to reach a deal on Sandy relief. A vote is upcoming.

“The decision to they supported us,” not vote on the crucial Crowley said. “But, I guess those were you were poor, no matter whether aid package for the victims of Hurrionly words because last night we you were black or whether you were cane Sandy is outrageous and unaclearned the truth. And thanks to their white, every individual, no ceptable,” said Meng, who was elected actions there’s no federal assistance matter what your religious belief to Congress in November after deto help hard-working people rebuild, was, every individual was affected by feating Councilman Dan Halloran (Rrestart.” this storm. Everyone,” he said during Whitestone). “New Yorkers continue U.S. Rep Gregory Meeks (D-Ja- his floor statement on Wednesday. to suffer from the havoc Sandy maica) criticized Congress and U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, who wreaked upon our region, and they Speaker John Boehner for not voting represents parts of Long Island City desperately need help now.” on the aid package. that were hit hard by the storm, called The storm that struck multiple “The first thing I want to do is say the no-vote “an act of spiteful indif- states along the eastern seaboard left to the Speaker, come walk with me, ference.” many people without power and Mr. Speaker. Come walk with “By refusing to act on a bill to pro- caused millions of dollars in damages me. Let’s walk the beaches of vide urgently needed funds to help to houses and businesses. the Rockaway Peninsula. You’ll see repair the devastation caused by Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) a place where every soul, no matter Superstorm Sandy, Speaker Boehner 357-7400, Ext. 127 or at whether you were rich or whether has turned his back on 17 million lgronda@queenstribune.com.

QHC Proposal Met With Skepticism

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Community associations have expressed concern over a proposed housing development in the Queens Hospital Center, which would cater to patients with mental and physical illnesses.

The proposal, set forth by the QHC and Comunlife, a nonprofit health and housing service provider, would transform the hospital's vacant 'T-Building,' located at 82-61 Parsons Blvd. in Jamaica, into 175 affordable studio apartments accommodating one to two patients terminating treatment in the QHC. Additionally, 76 one, two or three bedroom units would be provided to veterans and their families.

According to Olga Jobe, a spokesperson for Comunilife, QHC is in active discussions with the nonprofit regarding their interest in using the T-Building of the hospital, but nothing has been approved by the state yet.

"Queens Hospital Center hopes to lease the building to Comunilife," Jobe said in an email. "Patients of Queens and Elmhurst hospitals, the two HHC public hospitals in the Bor-

ough, would have preference for apartments in the building, and it is our hope to ensure the reuse of this building for Borough residents who have special needs, who have low incomes or who are veterans.

"Affordable, stable and quality housing with supportive services can help individuals with chronic conditions to live more independently, facilitates access to appropriate health care services, and also helps to reduce emergency room use and hospital readmissions," Jobe added.

Although QHC officials have not been able to specify what types of patients the T-Building would potentially be housing, a statement released

by Community Board 8 revealed "the T-Building would be used for housing individuals living with mental illnesses and/or HIV/AIDS." Comunilife also did not specify what kind of patients would be housed in the building, but according to their website, their mission statement is to "improve the quality of life and create a healthier tomorrow for children, adolescents, adults, families and seniors living with mental illness and/or HIV/AIDS in New

York City's underserved, diverse communities."

"This building would house people with mental problems, problems with drugs and AIDS," said Robert Trabold, director of the Hillcrest-Jamaica Hills Neighborhood Association. "That's an awful amount of people in a small area that have serious problems and this is in a very small residential neighborhood.

It's not safe, there really isn't any supervision."

Trabold also expressed concern that the permanent housing complex would be adjacent to two schools.

"The Math Science High School is right there and across the street is the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parochial School. Now this is a problem because we just had the Newtown, Connecticut event and so this is a very sensitive issue," Trabold argued.

"Comunilife has a specific type of residents, so the real question is can the hospital answer to all these patients?"

Although members of Community Board 8 have not yet taken a stance on the proposed housing, the group has similarly expressed some of its concerns.

According to a statement from Marie Adam-Ovide, district manager of CB8, a presentation was made to the executive board.

"They [said] they will have security and case workers, a staff of 1620. They claimed that the change in use can be done right. They are waiting to be funded," Adam-Ovide said in a statement.

Ovide added that CB8 raised questions about the facility's security, whether there would be a community advisory board and why the building would not instead be used for additional hospital beds.

Community leaders have since voiced their concerns to State Senator Tony Avella (D-Bayside), who said he is currently in the process of scheduling a meeting with the administration at the QHC to discuss their plans for the particular site.

"I believe that the community should be involved in the process because any proposal with have a profound effect on the quality of life for the surrounding neighborhood," Avella said in a statement.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@ queenspress.com.

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 4-10, 2013

CB 12 Elects New Chairwoman

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

ing problems that she has noticed since she first became a member of Community Board 12 has elected CB12.

Adrienne Adams as its new chair“I think the most pressing issue is woman. Adams, the board’s former the fact that Community Board 12, education chair, defeated former being the largest community board in Chairwoman Jaqueline Boyce by a Queens, we have all of the social 23-15 vote during the services yet we are loosboard’s November meeting a lot of services for “I would like for our the community,” she ing.

Adams, who was working committees said. “The most pressraised in Hollis and cur- to strengthen their ing is the fact that we rently resides in Jamaica, partnerships within have no hospitals lohas been a member of the community cated within the boundCB 12 since 2009. Inaries of Community itself.” spired to make a differBoard 12. We had Mary -Adrienne Adams, Immaculate, it now is ence in her community, she felt as though she New Chairwoman of vacant for a number of CB12 years and it really is could make a difference by becoming a member. mind boggling that we “What drew me to Community continue to get group homes, shelBoard 12 was a greater interest in ters, different agencies that cater to giving back to the community,” the elderly and the children, yet we’ve Adams said. “I came into Commu- lost hospitals.” nity Board 12 after doing some work Another pressing issue facing her within the community with different community, Adams said, is the need organizations and just wanted to give for safer streets and roads. back. I didn’t really know a lot about “We definitely need more stop community boards and got word signs, speeds bumps as well,” she said. about it and started attending meet- “Also, we have to recognize the fact ings.” that vehicles are larger and we seem As the new elected chairwoman, to be crowding out a lot of local streets.

Adams hopes to address a few ongo- We are looking at some two-way

streets to make them one-way streets, for safety purposes. It’s very dangerous now to have two-way traffic in some streets within Community Board 12.”

Adams graduated from Stillman College with a degree in psychology and has over 25 years of professional experience as a corporate trainer. She has worked for prestigious companies like Goldman Sachs and NCI and says that her time at the agencies have helped her cultivate leadership skills that will carry over in her new position as chairwoman.

“Within the corporate training arena, I’ve been a manager so I have had staff in the past,” she said. “I continue to lead different organizations that I belong to and hold chair positions.”

Adams also feels that having been Education Chair of CB12 for the last three years has also been a positive learning experience.

In regards to her victory, Adams, who nearly won the election last year, said she is pleased with the board’s decision.

“It feels wonderful to have the trust of my board members,” she said. “As far as expectations, I’ve run a couple of other times within

CB12 and I learned not to second guess the board and to trust their judgment. This time around, I felt the decision was a good decision for the board overall and apparently the board members feel the same way.”

Assuming her new role, the Queens native hopes to lighten up the monthly board meeting with more good news and have better communication with the community.

“As far as what I’m looking towards in the future for CB12, I would like for our working committees to strengthen their partnerships within the community itself,” she said. “I would also like to have more good news stories shared at our general meetings. We speak a lot about land use issues, we speak a lot about the problems within the board but my hope is also to share the good news stories because we have so many of them. We have a lot of unsung heroes out there. We have a lot of students that are doing great things, so I hope to share positive stories about the residents of Community Board 12 as well.”

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

Jan. 4-10, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Report Details State Of Chains

BY MEGAN MONTALVO When it comes to New York City, Baskin-Robbins, Carvel and Cold Stone Creamery have more in common than just ice cream.

According to a report released by the Center for an Urban Future, each chain has more locations in Queens than any other borough.

Among details showing that Queens registered a 2.1 percent gain in the number of chain stores over the past year, compared to a 5.4 percent growth in chains between 2010 and 2011, the Center's fifth annual State of the Chains study, which ranks national retailers in New York City, stated that the top five retailers with the most store locations in Queens in 2012 are: Dunkin' Donuts (142 stores), Subway (107), Baskin-Robbins (65), Metro PCS (63) and McDonald's (63).

"Compared to the other boroughs, Queens has a very interesting type of middle class consumer," said Jonathan Bowles, the executive director at the Center for an Urban Future. "From what we gathered in the study, it seems that chain stores recognize the buying power to be had in Queens and are taking advantage

of it by adding more locations."

Over the last year, more than a dozen national retailers, including GameStop, NY Sports Clubs, 7-Eleven, GNC and Walgreens opened at least one additional store location in Queens.

On the down side, retailers with fewer stores in the Borough this year include CVS (a net loss of 3 stores), The Body Shop (-2) and White Castle (-1).

Earlier last year, the Center released a separate report that showed an alarming share of the City's small businesses are still not using websites, online advertising, digital payroll systems and other technologies, putting them at a significant disadvantage against national chains, online companies and tech-savvy startups.

With the roll out of a new fiscal year, Rob MacKay of the Queens Economic Development Corp. said that both he and his team will be working to help local businesses adapt to the digital age.

"There is a lot of fear among small business owners that more national chains mean less business for them," MacKay said. "However, oftentimes the close proximity of a chain to a mom-and-pop can sometimes do the

opposite, as we have seen in Hollis, where if it weren't for a Walgreen's agreeing to open in an abandoned plaza, it would have been very unlikely for a small business to thrive on its own. Consumers are attracted to

variety, and having a mix of chain stores and small business gives people the luxury of choice."

Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or mmontalvo@queenstribune.com.

Queens Welcomes First Baby

New York City's first baby of 2013 was born at Elmhurst," said Chris While the New Year's Constantino, the Center's Eve ball was descending executive director. "Our upon revelers in Times staff is overjoyed."

Square, one local family welThough the couple has comed a new baby girl at an older child, Miguel, age the stroke of midnight on 7, who was also born at Jan. 1 at Elmhurst Hospital Center.

Rosalba Merino and Elmhurst Hospital, Kaylee Weighing in at six Eutiquio Mejia, with Sayuri is the first daughter pounds, eleven ounces, daughter Kaylee to be added to the family.

The baby was delivered Kaylee Sayuri Merino was Sayuri Merino, the born to mother Rosalba first Queens baby by Dr. Ashley Davis and Maria Hernandez, RN. Merino and father Eutiquio born in 2013.

Reach Reporter Megan Mejia at exactly 12:00:00 Montalvo at (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or a.m.

"We are thrilled and excited that mmontalvo@queenstribune.com.

BY MEGAN MONTALVO

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 4-10, 2013

Editorial Unhealthy Behavior OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 (voice) (718) 357-7400 fax (718) 357-9417 email news@queenspress.com The PRESS of Southeast Queens Managing Editor:

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel

Last week, Mayor Mike Bloomberg trumpeted the fact that New York City experienced a record-low murder rate in 2012.

Unfortunately, the news came just one day after yet another tragic incident where a woman pushed an unsuspecting straphanger in front of an oncoming 7 train at the 40th Street station in Sunnyside.

The incident in Sunnyside comes too soon after a gunman killed 20 children and six adults in a school in Newtown, Conn.

Just weeks before that, another Queens man was killed when he was pushed in front of a Q train in Manhattan. The common denominator in each of these incidents was the mental health of the perpetrator.

The Mayor should be commended for his efforts in lowering the crime rate in the City, which will certainly be part of his legacy when his term ends next year. But incidents like the one that happened last week – the 54th death on a subway line in 2012 – sadly will continue until there is more education and treatment for mental health and behavioral issues.

If Mayor Bloomberg wants to cement his legacy as a Mayor crusading for the betterment of his people, perhaps he should turn his attention to the plight of the mentally ill in the City. By ensuring that those individuals get the proper care and treatment, he will also ensure that all that come into contact with them will also be protected. And with that protection, we can hopefully all have a safe and prosperous New Year.

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Reporters: Harley Benson Natalia Kozikowska Megan Montalvo Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda

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Michael Schenkler, President & Publisher Michael Nussbaum, Vice President, Associate Publisher

Letters Brave Soldier To The Editor: Four Star

General

H.Norman Schwarzkopf has passed away which brings much sadness to a nation that owes him much. Stormin’

Letters Norman, as he was called, was a general’s general, which in my view is due to his commitment to winning whatever war or battle he was fighting for America. He was a highly decorated veteran who served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was wounded twice and earned three silver stars for bravery as well as helping winning the Gulf war in 1991 and driving the Iraqi’s out of Kuwait. In addition to that he showed great concern for those who served under him and for America.

As for myself I have served during the Vietnam War Era in the United States Navy and as such, I salute a fellow veteran who was a brave soldier and a great American.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr., Glen Oaks Village

Loss For The City To the Editor: Earlier this month, New York City lost one of its most respected and effective schools chancellor when Frank Macchiarola passed away. His service as chancel-

lor coincided with the period of my husband Leonard’s service as Chairman of the Assembly Education Committee.

Dr. Macchiarola’s academic credentials were impeccable – his law degree and Ph.D. were from Columbia University and membership in the Thomas Jefferson Club, a powerful Brooklyn political organization. As a result, he understood the theoretical and how to get results. He combined intellect with street smarts, imposing rigorous standards, stopping automatic social promotion and restoring respect in the classroom. He was a friendly, warm person who somehow remembered that my son was attending PS 193 and always asked for him.

Shortly after I was elected, there was a vacancy for Chancellor and I saw Frank at an event. I, along with many others, tried to convince him to return as Chancellor. He declined and it was the City’s loss.

Toby Ann Stavisky, State Senator, 16th District Ranking Member, Committee on Higher Education

Subway Safety And Touring Our City A Personal Perspective

BY MARCIA MOXAM COMRIE

My niece from Florida came to visit for the holidays and it allowed me to take in our Borough and our City through her wide and beautiful 15 year-old eyes.

I was proud to show her the sights of Flushing MeadowsCorona Park, with the structure where a pivotal scene in the original “Men in Black” was filmed. I explained it was built for the 1964 World’s Fair and that her “Uncle Leroy” as a small child won a prize there for being the first kid to jump into a ring of some sort.

We took her to the usual places in Manhattan: to see the “Christmas Spectacular” at Radio City Music Hall and the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center where she also saw the skaters enjoying themselves.

She enjoyed the Museum of Natural History, where she

was excited to see, among other things, the “Peoples of the World” exhibit; because that is exactly what she’s covering in her social studies class this year. She also got to ride the subway being on a train for the very first time.

But that experience for her was sobering for me as I thought of the most recent victim of subway violence. It was my first time on the train since the shoving of Sunando Sen who was waiting for a train on a Sunnyside platform when a woman “talking to herself” just up and shoved the unsuspecting man onto the tracks in front of an oncoming 7 Train.

The suspect in the case, one Erika Menendez, a 31 year-old woman said to be suffering from some sort of personality disorder, “thought it would be cool” to do that.

Upon her arrest, not only did she not show any remorse, she reportedly laughed

and bragged about celebrating that poor man’s death with sex and drugs. She allegedly congratulated herself for “getting even” for the terrorist attacks of 9/11 because she “hates Muslims and Hindus.”

During arraignment the judge had to reprimand her several times to stop laughing.

Clearly this is not a person playing with a full deck.

Earlier in December another disturbed commuter pushed another innocent Queens man to his death by train as well. These tragedies should not be happening in a city as advanced as ours.

While we condemn the actions of those who do the pushing, we also need to remind everyone that ultimately our individual safety on the subway platforms is also in our own hands. Do we really need to stand so close to the edge? If someone sneezes at us we’re on the tracks because we’re right there on the edge.

In the case of Ms. Menendez, the nerve of her, using 9/11 as some sick excuse to harm an unsuspecting man, what a sad and evil thing to have done. We’re really getting tired of people using that evil event to exact more evil. Muslim New Yorkers are not automatic terrorists. A small number of people don’t represent the large, decent Muslim community in our city and borough. They are as appalled by the actions of the few in their midst as we are.

As for the subway platforms, the MTA will have to step up its efforts at reminding commuters to stay clear of the platforms. With the resignation of Joe Lhota who’s running for mayor, the system is currently without rudder, let’s get a competent replacement quickly and let one of his or her priorities be platform safety.

In the meantime, here’s wishing everyone a safe, healthy and happy 2013.

Jan. 4-10, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

JH Community Mourns Boy’s Death

BY MEGAN MONTALVO

Photo by Megan Montalvo

Two days after 11-year-old Miguel Torres was struck and killed by a dump truck on the corner of 80th Street and Northern Boulevard in East Elmhurst, a large group of local residents held a prayer vigil at the site to pay tribute to a life gone too soon.

Joined by a priest from St. Joan of Arc Parish, where the boy is said to have attended, the vigil was organized by a group of concerned Jackson Heights parents who sought to raise awareness of an intersection that has been plagued with speeding drivers.

“He was my only child,” the boy’s mother said, in Spanish, as she collapsed to the floor in tears. “Why did this have to happen? I don’t want to live.”

According to police reports, at about 8:45a.m. on Friday, Torres was struck by the rear wheels of the dump truck while attempting to cross Northern Boulevard to attend a winter break kids program at I.S. 145.

Moments before being hit, the boy was seen exiting the N&K Smart Mart on 80th Street, where he purchased a Sprite and Pop-Tart – two items that were left in remembrance at the vigil.

Torres’ death joins two “No one can understand the pain a mother similar accidents to occur in Queens last week. feels when she loses her On Dec. 26, 30-year-old child,” said Councilman Meria Beria and 38-year-old Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Sheena Mathew were struck Heights), who was also in and killed by cars within attendance. “I live nearby and have personally witone hour of each other.

Mathew was hit by a car nessed people speeding in while crossing Hillside Avthe area. This is a tragic reenue and Little Neck Parkminder that as drivers, we way in Floral Park and Beria have an obligation to exerwas hit at 111th Avenue cise caution for pedestrians.” near 147th Street in South Jamaica.

Although the NYPD “As a parent, I know that had originally called the incident a hit-and-run, it was Miguel Torres’ mother, pictured here, weeps at a vigil held no one ever imagines that later revealed by a spokes- for her deceased son as local community members comfort they will have to attend their own child’s funeral,” said person that the driver may her. have been unaware that the State Sen. Jose Peralta (Dchild was struck.

Despite not knowing the victim, East Elmhurst). “As we can see from According to 16-year-old Molina said that he felt the need to this vigil, one child’s death affects Armando Molina, who lives in the attend the vigil with his older sister an entire community.”

Within the coming weeks, Dromm apartment building overlooking the Cindy and mother Magdalena beintersection, the boy’s body had laid cause he sympathized with the fam- and Peralta said they look forward in the street for several minutes be- ily. to the implementation of a slow zone fore he received emergency assis“I wish there was something I that the Dept. of Transportation has tance. could have done,” he said. “I’ll never recently approved for 25th Avenue “At first I wasn’t sure if he was forget seeing him there lying help- in Jackson Heights.

“It may not stop everyone from dead, but he wasn’t moving,” Molina less in the street.” said. “I had never seen a dead body While there have been no crimi- speeding, but it’s a start,” Dromm said. before, and I really couldn’t believe nal charges filed against the driver, Reach Reporter Megan Montalvo at that something like this could hap- the NYPD is still conducting an in- (718) 357-7400 Ext. 128 or mmontalvo@queenstribune.com. pen. It was pretty traumatizing.” vestigation into the case.

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 4-10, 2013

2012: A Year Of Ups And Downs COMPILED BY STEVEN J. FERRARI

Photo by Megan Montalvo

Sandy Strikes

Gas stations throughout Queens experienced long lines as people sought fuel for vehicles while the Borough went through a gas shortage due to the storm.

Long Island Power Authority for the response to the storm. The utilities’ response to the storm, especially LIPA, led to the resignation of top officials.

Gas Shortage One of the most damaging effects of Superstorm Sandy was an unexpected shortage of gasoline that left Queens drivers waiting on lines for hours to fill up their vehicles.

With a number of gas stations in Queens left without power due to the storm and gas supplies cut off by debris in the City’s ports, many drivers were caught off guard by the shortage. Despite calls for action from many officials, Mayor Mike Bloomberg held off on an order for gas rationing for roughly two weeks.

The rationing remained in place until after Thanksgiving.

Despite the long lines to fill gas

Photo by Ira Cohen

The devastation began on Oct. 29 and the Borough is still reeling from Superstorm Sandy. The storm killed more than 20 New Yorkers, scorched Breezy Point and sent water crashing through neighborhoods like Howard Beach, Broad Channel and Hunters Point in Long Island City.

The Rockaway peninsula was drowned and thousands of Queens residents were left without power.

Nearly 100 homes burned down in Breezy Point, including U.S. Rep. Bob Turner’s (R-Middle Village), and the iconic Rockaway Beach Boardwalk was obliterated.

With wind gusts approaching 100 miles-per-hour, Sandy tore through much of the northeast, particularly the New York area, where much of Long Island and parts of the City remained without power days after the storm struck. The subway system, shut down in anticipation of the storm, was deluged.

In the days after the storm, more than 120,000 Queens residents were left without power or heat. Businesses were shuttered and homes were left needing to make repairs or removing broken trees and power lines.

Now more than two months after Sandy struck, thousands of residents of the Rockaways are still without power, waiting for the City’s Rapid Repairs program to fix the damage.

The damage caused by Superstorm Sandy led to a number of questions about the Borough’s energy infrastructure, with many criticizing Consolidated Edison and the

Officials protested the planned closure of August Martin High School. The school was saved from Mayor Bloomberg’s “turnaround” plan when the State Supreme Court sided with the UFT against the loss of teachers’ jobs.

tion failed to reach an agreement on teacher evaluations in January, Bloomberg announced his plan to close 33 Persistently Low Achieving schools in the City as a way to secure nearly $60 million in federal School Improvement Grant money.

The seven schools - Flushing, Newtown, Long Island City, William Cullen Bryant, August Martin, John Adams and Richmond Hill – were saved over the summer when a State Supreme Court Judge upheld an arbitrator’s decision to halt the firings of nearly 4,000 teachers.

“We had a lot of faith that what we were saying was true and they agreed,” said James Vasquez, UFT district representative for Queens high schools.

tanks, gas station managers in Queens reported that profits were down by Huntley Indicted about 75 percent in the weeks after Not long before a primary for her the storm.

State Senate seat, Sen. Shirley HuntSome gas stations allegedly at- ley was charged with two felonies, tempted to pump up profits by rais- tampering with physical evidence ing the prices of gasoline while the and falsifying business records in the City experienced a first degree. shortage. State AttorHuntley turned herney General Eric self in to authorities in Nassau County in AuSchneiderman identigust and was accused of fied 25 gas stations as covering up a member in violation of the New item scam in regards to York State Price Gougthe Parent Workshop, a ing Statute. Of the nonprofit organization seven counties listed for she founded. She the accused gougers, pleaded not guilty.

Queens has the highest Parent Workshop number of retailers at was founded to help seven. Nassau trails parents navigate slightly behind with through the City school five, surpassing Suffolk Sen. Shirley Huntley system. The organizaand Westchester with tion is accused of funfour station each.

“Our office will continue to take neling public money to Huntley’s enforcement actions against price aide, Patricia Savage, and to the gougers because ripping off New senator’s niece, Lynn Smith. AccordYo rke r s i s a g a i n st t h e l aw,” ing to the indictment, Savage and Schneiderman said. “We are ac- Smith submitted fraudulent docutively investigating the hundreds of ments to the state to obtain public complaints we’ve received from money from a member item Huntley consumers of businesses preying on sponsored. Instead of providing the victims of Hurricane Sandy. There promised programs, Savage and must be no tolerance for unscrupu- Smith allegedly pocketed approxilous individuals who take advan- mately $29,950.

“The fact that this indictment tage of New Yorkers trying to reagainst me has been announced less build their lives.” than three weeks before the Primary Election is no coincidence,” an email School Ups and Downs dated Aug. 27 from Huntley to supStudents in several Queens high porters stated. schools began the year worrying Huntley, who has served in the where they would attend school the State Senate since 2006, was in the next year, as seven schools were on midst of a primary challenge from the chopping block because of Mayor Councilman James Sanders when she Mike Bloomberg’s “Turnaround” turned herself in. Sanders defeated plan.

Huntley in the Sept. 13 Democratic After the United Federation of primary and was unopposed in the Teachers and the Dept. of Educa- General Election.

Jan. 4-10, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

Police Blotter Compiled by STEVEN J. FERRARI

104th Precinct Homicide On Dec. 20 at approximately 6:04 p.m. inside of a deli located at 674 Oderdonk Ave., in Ridgewood, police responded to a 911 call of a male shot. Upon arrival, responding officers discovered the victim, identified as Ghalia Ishak, 26, of Ridgewood, with a gunshot wound to the head.

EMS also responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying the following individual who was seen running from the area of the homicide and is wanted for questioning in regards to it. The male individual is described as having light skin and was last seen wearing a dark knit hat, blue jeans and white sneakers.

The NYPD has approved a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the homicide. There is also a $2,000 reward from Crime Stoppers for the arrest and indictment.

Anyone with information is

asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers’ website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIPS577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Robbery The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying and apprehending the following individual wanted in regards to a robbery at gun point.

On Dec. 25 at approximately 6:30 p.m., the unknown male suspect entered the King Star Deli, 1070 Seneca Ave., displayed a black firearm and demanded money. The victim handed the suspect approximately $900, which the suspect placed in a black bag with a red strap. The suspect fled the location on foot.

The suspect was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a white skull logo on the front.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers.

106th Precinct Motor Vehicle Fatality The NYPD has arrested a suspect wanted in connection to a fatality that occurred on Oct. 26 at the intersection of 101st Street and Rockaway Boulevard.

The suspect, who was driving a gray Chevrolet Corsica, struck a 15year-old boy and then fled the scene.

The suspect was identified as Barolo Paula, 56, no known address. Paula was arrested in Spain and extradited to New York City, where he was charged on Dec. 21 with first-degree manslaughter in regards to the above incident.

113th Precinct Assault The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance with the whereabouts and identity of the following individual wanted in connection to an assault.

On Nov. 9 at 9:07 a.m., a 21year-old Black male was shot in the abdomen and a 16-year-old Black male was shot in the left leg in front

of 134-32 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. during a dispute. The suspect f led the scene in a late model Dodge Magnum station wagon, silver or gray in color.

The suspect is described as a Black male in his late-30s, between 6-foot and 6-foot-3, medium build with a short Afro.

Motor Vehicle Fatality On Dec. 26 at approximately 6:50 p.m., police responded to a 911 call of a pedestrian struck in the vicinity of 147-05 111th Ave., Jamaica.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, identified as Maria Beria, 30, of Jamaica, unconscious. EMS also responded and transported the victim to Jamaica Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Further investigation revealed that a white vehicle traveling westbound on 111th Avenue struck the victim as she was crossing from south to north. The vehicle did not remain on the scene and no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.

Borough Beat

Cuomo Approves QueensWay Study

BY LUIS GRONDA In the back and forth discussion of what to do with the vacant stretch of land that used to be the Long Island Rail Road line, one project got a much needed boost last week.

Governor Andrew Cuomo awarded $467,000 to The Trust for Public Land, which will go towards conducting a feasibility study for the proposed QueensWay. The QueensWay would convert the 3.5 mile area that has been dormant for around 50 years into a bike path and green space similar to that of The High Line in Manhattan. The Trust for Public Land is a nonprofit organization that has been spearheading this project, along with Friends of The QueensWay, an organization made up of Queens residents.

The grant serves as welcoming news for Travis Terry, a member of Friends of The QueensWay. "We are now one step closer to the creation of the QueensWay

thanks to this important grant by the State of New York," Terry said in a statement. "When completed, the 3.5 mile QueensWay will improve quality of life, create much-needed park space and generate new economic benefits for the residents, workers, visitors and businesses in the borough of Queens."

Marc Matsil, The Trust for Public Land's New York State director, said the money will allow them to conduct environmental and engineering studies of the area and figure out the potential cost of building the bike path that would run between Rego Park and Ozone Park and include Forest Park.

"The project would help to catalyze economic development and celebrate the immense cultural diversity of Queens," Matsil said in a statement.

Andrea Crawford, chairwoman of Community Board 9, also supports turning the abandoned rail line into the Queens Way. "Community Board 9 has sup-

At a press conference earlier this year, Assemblymen Phil Goldfeder and Mike Miller pushed for the abandoned LIRR Rockaway Beach Branch to be revitalized. ported the idea of turning the abandoned Rockaway Beach Branch of the LIRR into a greenway since at least 2007," she said in a statement.

"Queens, as a whole, has a paucity of open public land to service its diverse and growing communities."

The opposing idea to building the QueensWay would be to revitalize the LIRR line that would run from the Rockaways to Rego Park. That side's

supporters include Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park). Advocates of this idea say that reviving the train line would improve public transportation in south Queens and clear up congested thoroughfares such as Woodhaven and Cross Bay boulevards.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127 or at lgronda@queenstribune.com.

Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 4-10, 2013

pix

Check Presentation

Santa Malcolm

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall (left) applauds as Duane Reade’s Senior Director of Store Operations Greg Calvano (center), presents a check for $25,000 to West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Corps Chief Jonah Cohen at the firehouse on Davenport Court. The gift was to help restore firehouse gear and equipment destroyed by Sandy in October. State Sen. Joseph Addabbo and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder were also on hand for the presentation.

Senator Malcolm A. Smith brings toys to students at the Charles Drew Daycare Center at Star Light in Jamaica and to P.S.215 Lucretia Mott School in Far Rockaway as part of his annual toy distribution drive.

Raising A Racket

Still Helping Residents of the Rockaway Beach area line up for a hot meal from an American Red Cross emergercy response vehicle.

Holiday Party Emirates Airline recently donated 400 refurbished racquets to New York Junior Tennis & Learning through its Racquet Return program. Children at IS 61Q in Corona received some of the racquets during a surprise assembly.

Toy Drive Success Queens DA Richard Brown stands with some of the toys collected during his office’s annual toy drive. More than 350 toys were collected and distributed to The Church of the Nazarene in Far Rockaway, Lawrence Nursing Home Facility in Far Rockaway, SCO Family Services in Jamaica and Cambria Heights Community Church in Cambria Heights.

The Police Athletic League recently hosted hundreds of boys and girls ages 5-7 at a festive holiday party filled with arts and crafts, board games, face painting, inflatable rides and holiday treats.

Pictured are children from PAL’s Eddie Byrne Center, including (back row, from left) Darnell Jameson, Nacirema Harrison, Sean Chambers, Miles Merritt, Deshawn Jameson; (front row) Kamiya Harrison and Ranard Fields.

Jan. 4-10, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 4-10, 2013

Profile

Elmer H. Blackburne Regular Democratic Club

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Since it was established in 1983, the Elmer H. Blackburne Regular Democratic Club has been actively involved with the Southeast Queens community, communicating with elected Democratic leaders to address the concerns and needs of the district and educating residents about the political sphere.

Founded by Elmer Blackburne, a former democratic district leader, and his wife, a retired justice of the Supreme Court, Laura Blackburne, the EHB Democratic Club is one of the largest political clubs in Queens, with as many as 500 subscribers.

“It all started after I was elected district leader in 1982,” Blackburne said. “My campaign was a quick campaign and we organized so many people in that campaign and we felt we wanted to continue with a formal political organization.”

The EHB Democratic Club, comprised mostly of volunteers, many retired, has been holding open monthly meetings for more than 20 years. During these meetings, residents of Southeast Queens can vo-

issues including the recently closed St. Albans well, which has led to f looding in homes, and the highly contested plans for a hot sheet motel in Springfield Gardens, which were finally nixed in October.

In addition to maintaining strong community ties with Democratic leaders and civic associations, From left to right: Elmer Blackbourne, Deputy Blackburne said the club Inspector at the 105th Precinct, Joseph Courtesis, has a mission to educate the community about the Jackie Boyce, and President, Edgar Grove. political landscape in calize their concerns and communi- Queens. cate with elected officials.

“There certainly is a lack of so“We frequently have speakers,” phistication in terms of how the poBlackburne said. “We have speakers litical system actually works,” he said. from City government, State govern- “I think political education has been ment and the non-profits if it relates a big part of our activities by holding to issues concerning our members. All these monthly meeting and by holdof these elected officials come in and ing forums so it informs young report to us on a regular basis.” people, and some of our older folks, The club has played a key role in to become more closely involved in many of its neighborhood victories the political system. It would be a very by working closely with Community important learning experience.”

Boards 12 and 13, Blackburne said.

According to Blackburne, the orThe EHB Democratic Club has acted ganization plays a large role in the as an advocate for many community community because it has been

around for more than two decades and has a strong understanding of the way Queens politics run.

“Our organization has been here longer than most members in council,” Blackburne said with a chuckle.

As far as the upcoming Borough President race, Blackburne reluctantly said the EHB Democratic Club is learning towards Bill Thompson.

“He made a nice run for mayor against Michael Bloomberg and it seems he deserves another chance,” he said. “But we are listening to everyone. Leroy Comrie, he is a good friend. We’ve also gotten some calls from Melinda Katz. We want to hear what they have to say.”

Monthly membership meeting are held on the third Thursday of every month. To become a member, or for more information about the EHB Democratic Club, visit www.ehbdemclub.org or call (718) 525-8372.

The EHB Democratic Club is located at 226-19 Merrick Blvd., Laurelton.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com

People Jordan Howell was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 term at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn. He is the son of Sandra Lopez of Cambria Heights.

The New York Army National Guard has announced the promotion of members in recognition of their capabilities for additional responsibility and leadership.

Stephen Pritchett of Jamaica, serving with Company A, 101st Signal Battalion, is promoted to private first class.

Tanisha Barrette of Queens Village, serving with Company A, 101st Signal Battalion, is promoted to specialist.

Leonardo Diaz of Richmond Hill, serving with Company A, 101st Signal Battalion, is promoted to staff sergeant.

Patrick Pachardo of Springfield Gardens, serving with Company A, 2-108th Infantry, is promoted to specialist.

Roy Aguinaga of Jamaica, serving with Company C, 101st Signal Battalion, is promoted to specialist.

Irshaad Mohamed of Hollis, serving with Company D, 1-69th Infantry, is promoted to staff sergeant.

Jolie Powell of Jamaica, serving with Company E (Forward Support Company Infantry), 427th Brigade Support Battalion, is promoted to specialist.

Audrey Alexispeacock of Jamaica, serving with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, is promoted to specialist.

ticket was purchased at KVD Grocery, 215-14 91st Ave., Queens Village.

Vilma Farmer of Jamaica won $25,000 on the Dec. 11 Win 4 drawing. Farmer’s winning ticket was purchased at Ambica Stationery & Legal Form, 87-87 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica.

Stephen Igwebuike of Jamaica won $41,284 on the Nov. 30 Take Five drawing. Igwebuike’s winning ticket was purchased in Brooklyn.

Samir Keshk of Cambria Heights received a Bachelor of Science degree in medical informatics from the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences during summer 2012 commencement ceremonies at Rochester Institute of Technology.

John Sexton, president of New York University, will deliver the annual Telsey Lecture at The Reform Temple of Forest Hills, 71-11 112th St., on Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. His topic will be “Promoting Unity.”

The lecture is open to the public.

The $18 cost of admission includes a catered brunch. For reservations, call The Reform Temple of Forest Hills at (718) 261-2900 or e-mail mail@rtfh.org.

The New York Lotter y announced the names of area Lottery players who claimed a winning ticket from one of the Lottery’s live drawings and received a cash prize valued at $10,000 or more.

Brandon Porter of Queens Village won $87,738 on the Dec. 8 Take Five drawing. Porter’s winning

Upcoming programs at the Central Queens Y include: “Writing the Past: Memoirs of Simchas and Holidays,” led by author Laurie Graff, 10-week program

starting Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. Cost is $60 for members, $80 for non-members.

Israeli & International Dance, 11 classes beginning Jan. 9 at 1 p.m.

Cost is $83 for members, $127 for non-members.

The Central Queens Y is located at 67-08 108th St., Forest Hills. For information or to register, call (718) 268-5011, Ext. 160 or visit www.cqy.org/registration.

The New York Army National Guard has announced the promotion of members in recognition of their capabilities for additional responsibility and leadership.

Leonardo Diaz of Richmond Hill, serving with Company A, 101st Signal Battalion, is promoted to staff sergeant.

Ysnaldo Perez of Woodhaven, serving with Company B, 642nd Support Battalion, is promoted to specialist.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2012 quarter at Rochester Insititute of Technology. They include: Forest Hills: Rohit Crasta, Thomas Kim.

Jan. 4-10, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

A&E

Blue’s Clues Bounces To Bayside

BY JOE MARVILLI

While some teenagers and young adults got a portion of their education from “Blue’s Clues,” today’s preschoolers were too young to view the show when it was on the air.

Now, Queens’ parents have a chance to put their children on a journey with that lovable blue dog with a live performance at Queensborough Community College.

“Blue’s Clues Live! The Most Spectacular Place!” will arrive at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center on Jan. 6 for a 2 p.m. perfor-

mance. The show follows a run at the Showplace at the Bellmore Movies in Bellmore, Long Island. Those enactments took place on Dec. 27 through 30. One more concert will take place in that neighborhood on Jan. 5 at 11 a.m.

For fans of the original television program, this show seems set to please. It follows the interactive clues that made “Blue’s Clues” standout so much during its successful ten year run from 1996 to 2006 on Nickelodeon.

During the performance, Blue and Steve lead the crowd on a club-based

Restaurant Review

Mexican Food, Reinvented MexiBBQ Kitchen and Draught 37-11 30th Ave., Astoria (718) 626-0333 HOURS: Mon. – Thurs. 4 p.m. to Midnight; Fri. 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Weekend Brunch 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.; Sat. Dinner 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Sun. dinner 4:30 p.m. to Midnight CREDIT CARD: Yes, All Major DELIVERY: No TAKE OUT: Yes As someone who grew up eating traditional Mexican food on a daily basis, I cannot help but to consider myself an expert on that particular cuisine.

Though I have tried many Mexican restaurants since moving to Queens from my native Los Angeles, none have caught my interest quite as much as MexiBBQ. Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to visit the chic Astoria restaurant, and all I can say is WOW! With dim, romantic lighting, an elegant water fountain and extravagant fireplace, it is easy to see why this restaurant is so popular, especially for the throngs of trendy young couples living in the neighborhood.

On my visit, I sampled the BBQ Brisket Tacos, which came stuffed with a more than generous helping of smoked brisket, pulled and sim-

mered in the restaurant’s own Achiote sauce.

Other than being wrapped in a corn tortilla, the inventive spin on the classic Mexican dish was anything but traditional, causing quite the eye-opening experience for my taste buds.

The savory sauce superbly complemented the slow smoked meat, which had me falling in love with each bite, and the side of Esquites (aka spicy cream corn) brought out the amazingly delectable smokiness of the dish.

With just a bit of squeezed lime juice, the kernels quenched my desire to indulge in the spiciness that Mexican food is known for.

While I had decided to sip on a sweet Frida Kahlo Reposado tequila for my beverage, rather than the IPA the menu suggests, it should be noted that MexiBBQ offers 48 craft beers on tap, including Astoria’s own Singlecut Beer.

As I slowly worked through the meal, I could not help but wonder why I had never dared to think of this innovative take on tacos at home.

Thankfully for me and my fellow foodies, the restaurant offers a wide selection of their sauces you can use in the comfort of your own kitchen.

- Megan Montalvo

adventure, in search of the most spectacular place of all. The two of them travel to the Storybook Forest, where they meet Goldilocks, the Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf and many other classic fairy tale characters. They also head to outer space, discovering planets and other celestial bodies as their search continues.

Once the final clue is found, the mystery is solved.

The event is sponsored by Long Island’s Plaza Theatricals.

“Since 1983, the Plaza Organization has been providing exciting family entertainment throughout the tristate area,” producer Kevin Harrington said. “My wife, Phyllis and I, are thrilled to be bringing our shows to the beautiful theatre at Queensborough Performing Arts Center where family members can meet and greet the characters following each performance.”

Individual reserved seating tickets are $12. Subscription tickets, lim-

“Blue’s Clues Live!” will come to Queensborough Performing Arts Center on Jan. 6. ited to one ticket for each show, are $40. For groups of twenty or more, discount tickets are available for $10 each.

To purchase tickets, call the Plaza Box Office at (516) 599-6870 or visit www.plazatheatrical.com.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.

‘Paralleling Narratives’ At Crossing Art

BY JOE MARVILLI Residents of Queens will soon have the chance to view “Paralleling Narratives” this January in Flushing.

“Paralleling Narratives” is a solo exhibition by Ana De Orbegoso that features mixed media and photography. It will run at Crossing Art in Flushing from Jan. 11 to Feb. 10. The opening reception will take place on Jan. 13 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the display will conclude with a Q&A with De Orbegoso on Feb. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The exhibit explores visual forms of expression by juxtaposing a selection of both her present and past work. The series all depict popular iconography and stage situations through photography and mixed media, using subjects that populate her world. Although all her projects differ from each other, all contain performance elements “to seduce and beckon your human sensation,” the artist said.

The span of De Orbegoso’s career is covered within the exhibit. Its characters include a person who creates pseudo barriers and false identities to avoid realizing his or her true

self in “The Invisible Wall,” visual depictions of the inner dialogue we all have running inside our minds in “Intra,” the fabricated world of “Disutopia” where reality is blurred with artificiality and a Greek boy overreaching his ambition in one of her most recent series, “Icarus and the Myth of the Fallen Angel”.

Born in Lima, Peru and a current New York City resident, De Orbegoso was a recipient of fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts, the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture and “En Foco.” She also received the En Foco New Works Photography Award and won first prize in the Fotografia Peruana competition in 2006.

Her work titled “Vírgenes Urbanas” is the most locally exhibited art project in Peruvian history. It is based on colonial paintings of the School of Cusco, an ongoing traveling display on Peru’s different regions and cities.

Crossing Art is located at 136-17 39th Ave. Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, or at jmarvilli@queenstribune.com.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 4-10, 2013

Faith

Gethsemane Baptist Church’s Rev. Michael Corley

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Since he became reverend at Gethsemane Baptist Church 15 years ago, Michael St. John Corley has always had a great passion for helping the residents of Hollis. The fourth generation preacher has always been held in high regards by his community for his work.

One of Corley’s biggest passions has always been helping the young find God. He hosted a Christian radio program for three years entitled “Precious Moments,” where he reminded youth every week that they are indeed precious in God’s sight.

The youngest of four children, Corley accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at just six-years-old, under his father’s pastorate at the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Manhasset.

Rev. Corley has served in numerous capacities and ministries at his home church over the years. He has held positions on the Junior Usher Board, the Youth Ministry, the Youth Choir, the Senior Choir Director and

nally licensed by his father, Rev. Edward Corley, at the Mount Olive Baptist Church. After being found fit, Corley was ordained on Oct. 22, 2000. He served under his father, working as Youth Ministry Coordinator and a Sunday School Superintendent for four years.

After he was ordained, Rev. Corley was appointed to serve as the Assistant to the Pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church.

Nearly a decade later, on Gethsemane Baptist Church in Hollis.

Mar. 8, 2008, he was asked to be the Pastor of the served as a Sunday School teacher Gethsemane Baptist Church in Hollis, Queens. for adults and seniors.

In his time at Gethsemane BapSince he was a child, Corley was often told that he possessed wisdom tist Church, the reverend has already well beyond his years. Not only was implemented several new Ministries, his father a highly respected and and he is making an impact on the gifted preacher, but his maternal community. He has established himgrandfather and great-grandfather self as a very sought after revivalist, teacher and conference speaker. He were also preachers.

On Feb. 28, 1999, Corley was fi- has also been asked to preach at nu-

merous churches throughout New York and Florida and is known for his ability to reach both the young and the old with his powerful sermons.

Admired by his ministry, Corley has always been active in the Eastern Baptist Association of New York.

He currently serves as the second vice president for the Board of Evangelism and Coordinator for Young Preachers and Ministers. He also serves as a member of Empire State Missionary Baptist Convention, the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. Rev. Corley is happily married to Keisha Heard-Corley. They are the proud parents of their only son, Michael Josiah Corley, who is fouryears-old.

Gethsemane Baptist Church is located at 88-48 193rd St., Hollis.

For more information about the church, call (718) 464-0391.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

Notebook St. John’s University

St. John’s Alum Tackles Sport Management World When Vincent Accardi first arrived to St. John’s University, he was immediately fascinated by the incredible work ethic of student-athletes.

More than a decade later, the alum has taken many of the valuable lessons he learned at St. John’s, assuming the role as Director of Corporate Sale and Ticketing Operations at Stony Brook University.

Accardi, who at the time was aspiring to be a baseball player, understood the commitment of the school’s athletic department.

“They were putting in so much time and effort every day in the weight room and at practice to ensure that they could play at that next level,” Accardi said in a statement.

“It really served as a wake-up call for me, and I realized that I simply hadn’t put enough work into my athletic career.”

Although Accardi eventually decided against joining a team, he

said. “I really have to never strayed far away thank St. John’s for the from sports and instead, opportunities it afforded developed his passion me, from internships to in the classroom. networking events and “I decided to apply more. This is where I was that same type of work inspired to pursue the ethic and preparation sports business industry, that these athletes disnot knowing that one played, and put it towards my academics,” St. John’s alum, day I’d have this career, he said. “I focused one Vincent Accardi, was so I’m extraordinarily year at a time, working named Director of Cor- grateful for those student as hard as I could, and porate Sale and Ticket- days.”

During Accardi’s unI’m glad to say it turned ing Operations at Stony out for the best.”

Brook University as of dergraduate career at St. John’s, he gained valuAll his hard work the summer. able experience working paid off for the St. as the head manager of John’s alum, who now works as Director of Corporate Sale the school’s men’s basketball team, and Ticketing Operations at Stony assisting with the daily operations Brook University. In his role, Accardi and on-the-court management of the manages the ticket sales and opera- players.

He is proud to come back to his tions for Stony Brook’s 20 Division 1 sports teams, generating revenue alma mater – whether he’s supportthrough ticket sales while pursuing ing scholarships through a golf outing or sharing his insight with students at new corporate partners.

“It’s been a nice progression,” he an Alumni Insider’s View Program, he Photo courtesy of www.stjohns.edu.

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

always finds time to come back to St. John’s.

“I’ve always said that there are many people here who influenced me,” Accardi noted, “including people in the Career Center, the Writing Center, the Office of Athletics and professors that I had. So many people here made an impact on who I am, which is why I’ve always been committed to giving back my time – it’s the least I can do.”

Today, Accardi umpires in his spare time and still shares the same enthusiasm for sports as he did when he was a freshman at St. John’s.

“I really enjoy attending sport management programs on campus and also recruitment events for prospective students,” he said. “Simply put, I like to tell my St. John’s story, and show others how the education here helped me, and can help them, be successful.”

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com.

Jan. 4-10, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

What’s Up JAN. 5 Black Wall Street The York College Performing Arts Center will present a play, ‘Black Wall Street.’ The play takes place in the year 1921 in a small Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, called Greenwood. This community consisted of Blacks who fled the oppression of the South to carve themselves out a place in the Indian nation of Oklahoma.

There they formed a peculiar society of Blacks, Indians, and Jews who respected and did business with each other. Some of these Blacks happened to settle on oil rich land and became incredibly wealthy—so wealthy in fact that the town soon became known as Black Wall Street. In a mere 36 block section of town, these African-Americans owned and operated 600 thriving businesses. The play will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 but a discount rate of $10 will be given to students and seniors. The York College Performing Arts Center is located at 9445 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.

Jazz at St. Albans: Helen Sung Award-winning pianist Helen Sung will perform at Saint Albans Congregational Church to kick off the New Year. After grouting from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, Sung went on to win the Kennedy Center’s Mary Lou Williams Jazz Piano Competition. She enchants listeners everywhere with an imaginative, modern artistry that thoroughly captivates. The concert will begin at 5 p.m. Saint Albans Congregational Church is located at 172-17 Linden Blvd. The concert is free, but donations to the church are welcome.

Brookville Park Tennis Club Awards Dinner The Brookville Park Tennis Club invites you to celebrate with them at their rescheduled 2012 Awards Dinner and Dance. The occasion will provide the opportunity for the club to honor Bill Perkins, president of the Rosedale Civic Association, with its Derek Dilworth Community Service Award. Join them for an evening of dinner, dancing and drinks – all included in the price of $55 ($50 for members). Semi-formal attire. For more information, send an e-mail to brookvilletennis@aol.com or visit brookvilleparktennis.com. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call Lawrence at (347) 5287178 or Keith at (347) 528-7268. All tickets must be purchased in advance.

There will be no tickets sold at the door. The dinner will be held at the Sacred Heart School Auditorium from

10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The Sacred Heart School is located at 115-50 221st Street.

JAN. 6 Comrie for Borough President Kickoff The kick off for Council Member Leroy Comrie’s Campaign for Queens Borough President will be held this week. The special guest will be Congressman Joseph Crowley, Chairman of the Democratic Organization of Queens County. The host committee (in formation) includes: Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, State Senator Malcolm A. Smith, Assembly Member Barbara M. Clark, Assembly Member Vivian E. Cook, Assembly Member William Scarborough, City Council Member Ruben Wills and City Council Member Karen Koslowitz, among many others. To RSVP, email rsvp@leroycomrie.com or call (917) 737-2415. The event will be held at Antun’s from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Antun’s is located at 96-43 Springfield Blvd.

Tickets are $100 for friends, $250 for supporters and $1,000 for sponsors.

JAN. 8 Grant Information Session Citizens Committee for New York City awards grants of $500 to $3,000 to resident-led groups to work on community and school improvement projects addressing issues that they identify as important to them. From East Tremont in the Bronx to West Brighton on Staten Island, the groups the Citizen’s Committee supports are carrying out projects as varied as community gardening, theater and fine arts, nutrition awareness, composting, beautification, tenant organizing, youth education, physical fitness, public safety, and more. For additional information, visit http:// www.citizensnyc.org/programs.html.

There you can download the application. The application deadline is January 31, 2013. Join them for an information session to learn more about the grant application process. For more information or to register for an information session, contact Wilfredo at wflorentino@citizensnyc.org or call (212) 822-9568. The free event will take place at Queens Central Library from 6 to 8 p.m.

JAN. 9 Stop and Frisk Focus Group The Center on Youth Justice with the cooperation of Queens Engagement Strategies for Teens (Quest) will be conducting a Stop and Frisk focus group in Jamaica. As part of the Vera Institute of Justice’s study

examining the NYPD’s Stop Frisk Policy they have interviewed several families who reside in the neighborhoods of New York City where stop and frisk is most prevalent, and surveyed young adults about their experiences with police. Now, they would like to hear from community aides and organizers. Since this meeting will be held after usual business hours, dinner will be provided. All focus group participants will be compensated with a $25 Visa gift card. Please RSVP your availability to take part in the meeting by the end of the day on Monday, Jan. 7. For additional information, send an e-mail to Brenda Velazquez at bvelazquez@vera.org, or call (212) 376-3080. The event is free and will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quest, located at 159-29 90th Ave.

JAN. 10 Donovan Richards Kickoff Celebration Friends of Donovan Richards 2013 cordially invite you to attend the official campaign kick-off for New York City Council Candidate for the 31st Council District - Donovan Richards.

If you are unable to attend on the 10th, there are lots of other ways for you to get involved through volunteering, donating, or working in our office as we strive to win the 31st City Council seat for our community. Kindly RSVP at richards4council@gmail.com or 347-247-0653. Tickets are $50. The event will be held at Idlewild Terrace located at 157-13 Rockaway Blvd. from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

ONGOING Mobile CPR Program FDNY EMS instructors will come out to your site to conduct the CPR training using your facilities. The Be 911 Compressions Only CPR Program is brought to you free of charge

by FDNY and NYC Service. The goal of the program is to train as many people as possible in basic CPR skills.

In addition, participants will be briefly educated on the automated external defibrillator (AED) used to try and revive a person suffering from cardiac arrest. Though this program does not certify any participants, the FDNY and NYC Service believe increasing the knowledge of how to save a life is far more beneficial.

The program welcomes all ages, as long as the individual can demonstrate competency in retaining the required skills.

Appointments can be made Monday through Friday during the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Classes may be

approximately 20 minutes depending on the size of the group.

For group registration of 10 or more participants or further information, contact the FDNY’s CPR Training Unit at Telephone Number (718) 281-3888.

Group Sessions Clergy United for Community Empowerment, Inc. Group Sessions are located at 89-31 161st St., 10th Floor, Jamaica, for the community on various topics such as domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse intervention, decision making, condom use, high risk behaviors leading to HIV, and self – esteem awareness.

All group sessions offer light snacks and beverages. Group sessions are open to the public.

Round-Trip Metro Card reimbursement is available at the end of each completed session. For further information call (718) 297-0720. All services are free. Please call for next group date.

Infant Mortality Clergy United for Community Empowerment’s Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative program provides the following services free of charge: case management services, parent skills building, crib care, breast feeding education, health education, nutritional information/education, referral for HIV testing, confidential one-on-one counseling, workshops, and women support groups. IMRI provides referrals for Food stamps, GED, GYN, Emergency Baby Formula (qualifications required) and more. Call (718) 297-0720. Located at 89-31 161 St., 10th floor, Jamaica.

Services are available Tue.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HIV Awareness Clergy United for Community Empowerment provides intervention and curriculum-based prevention education sessions on HIV/AIDS, to reduce risk behaviors that lead to HIV transmission. Services are located at 89-31 161st St., Jamaica. Call (718) 297-0720 ask about our presentation to adolescents and men/women of color. Services are available Tue.Thurs., 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What’s Up With You? Send your community events to the PRESS for a free listing at 150-50 14th Rd. Whitestone, NY 11457 All events will be considered for publication, without a fee.

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 4-10, 2013

Queens Today SECTION EDITOR: REGINA VOGEL

Send announcements for your club or organization’s events at least TWO weeks in advance to “Queens Today” Editor, Queens Tribune, 150-50 14 Road, Whitestone NY 11357. Send faxes to 357-9417, c/o Regina or email to queenstoday@ queenstribune.com Yearly schedules and advanced notices welcome!

MEETINGS GARDENING CLUB Saturdays in the Steinway library courtyard at 4.

ACADEMY CHARTER Monday, January 7 Central Queens Academy Charter School Board of Trustees meeting 7-9:30 at 55-30 Junction Blvd., Elmhurst. 212-437-8351 to register.

ORATORIO SOCIETY Mondays starting January 14 at 7:45 at Temple Beth Sholom in Flushing.

279-3006. Auditions required.

GLEE CLUB Tuesdays Bayside Men’s Glee Club rehearses at 7:30 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 214-35 40 th Avenue, Bayside. 9616852.

MEN’S CLUB SOCCER Tuesday evenings Forest Hills Jewish Center 89:30. 263-7000.

FM CAMERA Tuesdays Fresh Meadows Camera Club. 917-6123463.

98TH STREET BLOCK Thursday, January 10 98 th Street Block Association meets at 6 at the East Elmhurst library.

TOASTMASTERS Thursday, January 10 Advance for Excellence Toastmasters Club at 5:45 at the Briarwood library.

WOMEN’S GROUP Fridays Woman’s Group of Jamaica Estates meets at noon. 461-3193.

HEALTH GENERAL WELLNESS Saturday, January 5 general wellness and disease prevention at noon at the Flushing library.

BLOOD DRIVE Sunday, January 6 9:301:30 at Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park. 516746-1120.

WAITANKUNG Sundays 2-5. Total-body workout. Flushing Hospital/Medical Center. Free.

Jimmy 7-10pm 347-2156.

SCHIZO. ANON. Sundays in Rego Park.

896-3400.

GROUP NUTRITION Mondays at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695.

TAI CHI Mondays and Thursdays 11-12 at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695. $5.

VISITING NURSE Tuesday, Januar y 8 Visiting Nurse Service helps determine eligibilit y at the Central library at 2.

RELAX & MEDITATION Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 Relaxation and Meditation Time at 5:30 at the Seaside library.

ALZHEIMERS Tuesdays, January 8, 22, February 12, 26 Caregiver Support Group in Forest Hills.

592-5757, ext. 237.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Tu e s d a y s We st e r n Queens Caregiver Network in Sunnyside. 5:156:30. 784-6173, ext. 409.

Also, 3:30-4:30 Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26 th Avenue, Bayside. 631-1886.

WELL SPOUSE Wednesdays, January 9, February 13 Well Spouses or Partners of the Chronically Ill and Disabled meet at St. Charles Rehab in Albertson. 516-829-8740.

NUTRITION TALK Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Corona library at 5:30.

OA Wednesdays Overeaters Anonymous at the Howard Beach library at 11.

MASSAGE THERAPY

RELIGIOUS TEMPLE BETH Friday, January 4 Family Shabbat Services 7:30. Saturday, January 5 Shabbat Services and Torah Study at 10. Frid ay, J a n u a r y 1 1 To t Shabbat at 6, Shabbat services at 8. Saturday,

Te m p l e B e t h S h o l o m , 172 nd Street and Northern Blvd., Flushing. 4634143.

DISCOVER HEBREW Starting January 9 Ulpan at the Central Queens Y in Forest Hills.

268-5011, ext. 160.

EDUCATION/GAMES/CRAFTS

Wednesdays and Fridays half and one hour massages at the Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows. 670-1695.

CANCER ACTION Thursday, January 10 Northern Queens Cancer Action Council at 10 at the Corona library.

MS Thursdays, January 10, 24 National Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets at the Howard Beach library at 1.

MEDITATION CLUB Thursdays, January 10, 24 at the Bellerose library at 5:30.

BEGIN ZUMBA Thursday, January 10 at the Central library at 7.

KIDS OBESITY Saturday, January 12 Childhood Obesit y: Keep Your Kids Healthy at noon at the Flushing library.

BLOOD DRIVE Sunday, January 13 9-3 at Queen of Angels church, 43-18 Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside. 9373244.

SENIORS MEN’S CLUB Starting Monday, January 7 Mondays 10-noon Men’s club for those over 65 Central Queens Y in Forest Hills. 423-0732.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE Mondays Pride of Judea.

423-6200.

STAY WELL Mondays Central library at 10 and Wednesdays at 10:15 East Elmhurst library.

BASIC COMPUTERS Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 class for seniors at 10 at the South Ozone Park library.

CAREGIVERS Tu e s d a y s C a re g i ve r s Support group at 3:304:30 Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 2 6 th A v e n u e , B a y s i d e .

631-1886.

COMPUTERS Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23 computers for seniors Lefrak Cit y library at 11.

BASIC COMPUTER Wednesdays, January 9, 16 for seniors Central library. 990-0769.

STARS Wednesdays Senior Theatre Acting Repertory at the Hollis library at 11:15.

STARS Fridays Senior Theater Acting Repertory at the Queens Village library at 11.

MICROSOFT WORD Saturday, January 5 Central library. Register.

MICROSOFT EXCEL Saturday, January 5 Central library. Register.

SOCIAL MEDIA Saturday, January 5 Far Rockaway librar y. 3272549.

GENEALOGY Saturday, January 5 Sunnyside library at 3.

ENGLISH CONV. Mondays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 English Conversation class at the Douglaston library. Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 at the Douglaston library at 4.

BUSINESS BASICS Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 at the Jackson Heights library at 6.

BALLROOM DANCING Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 at the Forest Hills library at 6:30.

MICROSOFT WORD Mondays, January 7, 14 C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 8625.

EMAIL Monday, January 7 Fresh Meadows library 10:30.

CRAFT CLUB Mondays, January 7, 28 Broadway library at 12:30.

METRIX LEARNING Mondays, January 7, 14, 2 1 , 2 8 C e n t ra l l i b ra r y.

990-8625.

OPEN LAB Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 Central library. 9908625.

TECHNOLOGIST IS IN Mondays, January 7, 14 and Tuesdays, January 8, 15 and Wednesday, January 9, 16 how to use new electronic devices at the Pomonok library at 2.

MAC MONDAYS Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 at the Central library.

990-8625.

EVENING CRAFT Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 at the Fresh Meadows library at 6.

BEGIN BUSINESS Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 Jackson Heights library at 6.

COOKING DEMO Monday, January 7 Lauryn Chun, author of The Kimchi Cookbook at the Flushing library at 6:30.

BRIDGE Mondays e x c e p t h o l i days 12-4 at Pride of Judea in Douglaston. Lesson & play $10. Partners arranged. 423-6200.

ADULT CHESS

Mondays and Thursdays Queens Village library at 5:30.

BEGIN COMPUTERS Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22 at the Flushing library at 10.

MICRO. ACCESS Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 LIC library. 7523700.

INTRO INTERNET Tuesdays, Januar y 8, 15 Steinway librar y. Register.

INTRO EMAIL Tuesdays, Januar y 8, 15 Queens Village library a n d St e i n wa y l i b ra r y.

Register.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays Windsor Park library at 2.

INTRO WORD Tuesdays, Januar y 8, 15 C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 0769.

SMALL BUSINESS Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 Central librar y.

990-8625.

CRIMINAL RECORD Tuesday, January 8 Job Searching with a Criminal Record at the Far Rockaway library at 2.

GET YOUR YARNS OUT! Tuesdays after evening Minyan at 8, knitters, crocheters, needlepointers, and others meet at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. 263-7000, ext.

200.

DISCOVER HEBREW Starting Wednesday, January 9 Discover Hebrew through Ulpan at the Central Queens Y in Forest Hills. 268-5011, ext. 160.

CHILD CARE Wednesdays, January 9, 23 professional development workshop for child care providers at the Central library at 6:30.

INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesday, January 9 C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 0769.

INTERVIEW SKILLS Wednesday, January 9 C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 8625.

COMPUTER BASICS Wednesday, January 9 Woodside library 10:30.

INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23 Hollis library at 11:30.

INTRO COMPUTERS Wednesday, January 9 Pomonok library at 11:30.

COMPUTER BASICS Wednesdays, January 9, 23 Windsor Park library 11:30.

WEST COAST SWING Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30 at the Flushing library at 6:30.

PINTEREST Wednesday, January 9 C e n t r a l l i b r a r y. 9 9 0 8625.

ENGLISH FOR SPANISH Wednesdays-Fridays English for Spanish speaking people in Flushing.

917-612-1431.

KNIT & CROCHET Wednesdays South Ozone Park library at 1.

WATERCOLOR Wednesdays all techniques and subjects at the National Art League.9691128.

ME BOOK BASICS Thursday, January 10 at the Lefferts library. Register.

MOCK INTERVIEWS Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 C e n t r a l l i brary. 990-8625.

ONLINE APPLICATION Thursday, January 10 at the Central librar y. 9908625.

COMPUTER QUICK TIP Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 C e n t r a l l i brary. 990-8625.

CREATE CALENDAR Thursday, January 10 Far Rockaway library at 1:30.

WORD FOR RESUMES Thursday, January 10 Flushing library. Register.

E-BOOK BASICS Thursday, January 10 Lefferts library. Register.

INTRO COMPUTERS Friday, January 11 at the Hillcre st librar y. Register.

INTRO INTERNET Friday, January 11 Central library. 990-8625.

INTRO COMPUTERS Friday, January 11 Hillcre st librar y. Register.

METRIX LEARNING Fridays, January 11, 18, 25 Central library. 9908625.

RESUME WORKSHOP Friday, January 11 LIC library. 752-3700.

KNIT & CROCHET Fridays Fresh Meadows library at 11.

ENGLISH CONVER. Fridays Windsor Park library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Fridays at 3:30 at the Auburndale library and 4 at the Woodside library.

METRIX LEARNING Saturday, January 12 LIC library. 752-3700.

GOOGLE ACCOUNT Saturday, January 12 Fa r Ro c k a wa y l i b r a r y.

Register.

ART DECO JEWELRY Saturday, January 12 Central librar y. Register.

SEND YOUR CLUB LISTING TO THE QUEENS TRIBUNE.

Jan. 4-10, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

Queens Today YOUTH QUEENS LIBRARIES Many branches of the Queensborough Library offer toddler and preschool programs and more. Contact local branches.

FAMILY STORY Saturdays, January 5, 12, 19 Flushing library 11:30.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays at the Flushing library at 2.

MATH HELP Saturdays for grades 48 Flushing library at 10.

SCIENCE LAB Saturdays Central library at 11.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

MOTHER GOOSE Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 Far Rockaway library at 10:30.

PRE-SCHOOL STORY Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 Corona library at 2.

PICTURE BOOK TIME Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 Hillcrest library at 2.

STORYBOOK EXPLORE Monday, January 7 Central library at 3:30.

COLORING TIME Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 Far Rockaway library at 4.

WORD OF THE WEEK Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 McGoldrick library at 5.

SLIME TIME Monday, January 7 East Flushing library. Register.

CRAFT KIDS Mondays Flushing library at 3.

BEGIN CHESS Mondays at 3:30 Windsor Park library.

KNIT & CROCHET Mondays Douglaston library at 4.

CRAFTY TUESDAYS Tuesdays, January 8, 22 Forest Hills library 3:30.

YOGA FOR KIDS Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 Corona library at 4.

GAME TIME Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 29 Far Rockaway library at 4.

READ TO A DOG Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 29 North Hills library.

Register.

WRITING WORKSHOP Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 Langston Hughes library at 4:30.

CURRENT EVENTS Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 McGoldrick library at 5.

TEAM SCIENCE Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 Corona library at 6.

BOOK BUDDIES

Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 those 3-5 are read to by 12-15 year olds Hillcrest library and Windsor Park library at 4.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays at 5 Rochdale Village library.

SCRAPPY SCARF Wednesday, January 9 those 9-14 learn to make a scarf at 4:30 Pomonok librar y.

TIMELESS TALES Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30 C e n t r a l l i brary at 10.

PICTURE BOOK Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30 McGoldrick library at 11:15.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30 Glen Oaks library at 11:30.

CRAFTIVITIES Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30 East Flushing library. Register.

JEWELRY MAKING Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 30 Far Rockaway library at 4.

SCIENCE PROGRAM Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 30 Central library at 4:30.

PLAY DOH Wednesday, January 9 Fresh Meadows library at 3:30.

JANUARY CRAFT Wednesday, January 9 W i n d s o r P a r k l i b ra r y.

Register.

HEALTH & SCIENCE Wednesday, January 9 at 5 at the McGoldrick librar y.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library and 4:30 Poppenhusen librar y.

GAME DAY Wednesdays Howard Beach library at 5.

CRAFTERNOONS Wednesdays at the Ridgewood library. Register.

YOUNG LEADERS Wednesdays and Fridays Young Leaders Institute of Laurelton at the Laurelton library at 3:30.

PICTURE BOOK Thursdays, January 10, 17, 23, 30 at the South Ozone Park library at 11.

S TORY T I M E Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24 at the East Elmhurst library at 11:30.

PICTURE BOOK Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 at the Flushing library at 1:30 and the Queens Village library.

SLIME TIME Thursday, January 10 North Hills library. Register.

TEENS BEADED JEWELRY Thursday, January 10 Woodside library. Register.

DRAMA POSSE Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 Hillcrest library at 4:30.

FELT ANIMALS Thursdays, January 10, 24 at the Corona library at 4.

ZUMBA FITNESS Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24 at the Hollis librar y. Register.

MANGA CLUB Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 at the Corona library at 5.

TEAM SCIENCE Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24 at the Corona library at 6.

PAPER AIRPLANE Thursday, January 10 at the Richmond Hill library at 4.

LEGO BLOCK Thursday, January 10 at the Far Rockaway library at 4.

GAME ON Thursdays at the Central library at 3:30.

TIGER TOTS Fridays, January 11, 18, 25 Kung Fu for children under 5 at the Briarwood library. Register.

DUNGEONS/DRAGONS Friday, January 11 Ozone Park library at 4.

VIDEO/BD GAMES Fridays, January 11, 18, 25 Rochdale Village library at 4:30.

BOARD GAMES Fridays, January 11, 25 Windsor Park library at 4.

PRE-SCHOOL CRAFT Fridays, January 11, 18, 25 at the Sunnyside librar y. Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, January 11, 18, 25 at the Fresh Meadows library at 4.

TALENT SHOW Fridays, January 11, 18, 25 at the Corona library at 4:30.

CHESS FOR KDIS Fridays, January 11, 18, 25 at the Windsor Park library at 5.

KIDS ACTIVITIES Fridays at 3:30 Briarwood library.

GAME DAY Fridays at 3:30 Queens Village library.

ARTS & CRAFTS Fridays Briarwood library at 4.East Flushing Register. Ozone Park at 3.

GAME DAY Fridays Windsor Park at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays Auburndale and Windsor Park library at 3:30 Register.

CHESS CLUB Saturdays Flushing library at 2.

LAPTOPS Mondays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 at the Hollis library at 3.

OPEN LAB Mondays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 Far Rockaway library at 4.

RUBIK’S CUBE Monday, January 7 at the Queens Village library. Register.

TEEN ZONE Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 Q u e e n s V i l l a g e l i brary at 4.

EVENING CRAFTS Mondays, January 7, 14, 28 F r e s h M e a d o w s l i brary at 6.

LAPTOPS Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Hollis library at 3.

BOOK BUDDIES Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 readers 12-15 read to those 3-5 at the Hillcrest library at 4.

KNIT & CROCHET Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 at the Rochdale Village library at 5.

TEEN ADVISORY BD. Tu e s d a y s , J a n u a r y 8 Flushing library at 4.

CHESS FOR ALL Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22 Rosedale library at 4.

LAPTOPS Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23 at the Hollis library at 3.

ZUMBA FOR TEENS Wednesday, January 9 at the Briarwood library.

Register.

SCRAPPY SCARF Wednesday, January 9 for those 9-14 to create a scarf at the Pomonok library at 4:30.

CHESS CLUB Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23 at the Poppenhusen library at 4:30.

REGENTS BOOT CAMP Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23 Far Rockaway library at 3.

CAREER W/ CRITTERS Wednesday, January 9 at 3:30 at the Rochdale Village library.

TEEN OPEN LAB Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30 Far Rockaway library at 4.

TEEN ZONE Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 30 Queens Village library at 4.

MAGIC TRICKS Wednesdays, January 9, 3 0 Ro s e d a l e l i b r a r y.

Register.

ONLINE TEST PREP Wednesdays, January 9, 23 LIC library. 752-3700.

GAME DAY

Wednesdays Howard Beach library at 4.

CHESS Wednesdays at 3:30 Queens Village library.

KNITTING CLUB Wednesday, January 9 Corona library at 6.

LAPTOPS Thursdays, January 10, 17, 31 at the Hollis library at 3.

ANIME Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 at the Flushing library at 4.

DRAMA POSSE Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 for those 1114 at the Hillcrest library at 4:30.

COLLEGE RESEARCH Thursday, January 10 at the Cambria Heights library at 5:30.

REGENTS BOOT CAMP Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24 Far Rockaway library at 3.

TEEN OPEN LAB Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 Far Rockaway library at 4.

WINTER CRAFT Thursdays, January 10, 24 Windsor Park library.

Register.

ENTERTAINMENT CHINESE OPERA Saturday, January 5 “The Black Pot” at 2 at the Flushing library.

INTERNATIONAL SONG Saturday, January 5 classical and popular international songs at the Forest Hills library at 2:30.

DOMINICAN FILM Saturday, January 5 “The Travelers” screened at 3 at the Langston Hughes library.

GREEN FILM Saturday, January 5 “End of the Line” at the Steinway library at 3.

SUNDAY CONCERT Sunday, January 6 Ze Mauricio’s Hot Samba at 3 at the Central library.

SCRABBLE Tuesdays Fresh Meadows library at 2.

CHESS Tuesdays 4 Rosedale library.

OPEN MIC Thursday, January 10 Flushing library at 6:30.

FLEA MARKETS THRIFT SHOP Saturdays 12-4 at the Queens Baptist Church, 9 3 - 2 3 2 1 7 th S t r e e t , Queens Village. 4652504.

MANGA CLUB Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 C o r o n a l i brary at 5.

DESIGN JEWELRY Friday, January 11 Bellerose librar y. Register.

BOOK BUDDIES Fridays, January 11, 18, 25 F r e s h M e a d o w s l i brary at 4.

HAPPY HOUR Fridays, January 11, 18, 25 at the Flushing library at 4.

TEEN ZONE Fridays, January 11, 18, 25 Q u e e n s V i l l a g e l i brary at 4.

CHESS CLUB Fridays, January 11, 18, 25 Woodside library at 4.

WII FRIDAYS Fridays at the Hollis library at 3:30.

GAME DAY Fridays at 4 at the Sunnyside librar y.

MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENT SHRED Friday, January 11 free document shredding at Council Member Leroy Comrie’s district office.

776-3700.

REHEARSALS Starting Saturday, January 12 Sacred Music Chorale of Richmond Hill begins rehearsals at St. John’s in Richmond Hill. www.richmondhillny.com/ Art sSMC.

TALKS WINDSOR PARK Monday, January 7 “Kitchen House” discussed at the Windsor Park library at 2.

WHITESTONE Tuesday, January 8 “A Hundred Flowers” discussed at the Whitestone library at 2.

HILLCREST Tuesday, January 8 “Behind the Beautiful Forevers” discussed at 3 at the Hillcrest library.

MASPETH Thursday, January 10 “Outliers” discussed at 5:30 at the Maspeth library.

WINDSOR PARK Thursday, January 10 “The Snow Child” discussed at 5:30 at the Windsor Park library.

GLENDALE Thursday, January 10 “The Shoemaker’s Wife” discussed at 6 at the Glendale library.

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Jan. 4-10, 2013

Models Of Queens Prakash Patil Home: Jackson Heights Age: 24 Height: 6’1" Weight: 157

Spreading Peace Originally hailing from India, Prakash came to Queens a few years ago to get his Master’s degree. Though he started modeling in his homeland in his younger days, Prakash got back into the field here just a few months ago.

His quest to resume his modeling came on a dare.

“One of my friends challenged me and said I couldn’t be a model in the U.S.,” he said.

In the last few months, he’s been proving his friend wrong.

Prakash has already done some runway work and com-

mercial shoots. In November, he participated in a pageant in Edison, N.J. Prakash said that he’s very passionate about modeling, and that it gives him a chance to refine his character.

“It gives me a good twist on myself,” he said.

Prakash said his goal is to enter the Mr. India World competition.

On his down time from modeling – and his work as an IT professional – Prakash said he loves to go out dancing or to the many cultural events and

Photo by Ira Cohen

Chips Ahoy!

TREE MENDOUS IDEA: The city is converting tree debris into chip biofuel, mulch and landfill.

Although Superstorm eral law requires all nonSandy created tons of tree chipped debris be processed debris, the City and the U.S. to less than one inch in two Army Corps of Engineering dimensions or be destroyed will not let all that green go to before May 1, 2013 to prevent waste. Instead, all the chipped the spread of the Asian tree bits will move on to bigger Longhorned Beetle. and better things.

So while the trees may have The nearly 160,000 cubic caused power outages and yards of tree debris will be other damages, at least there reused as biofuel, mulch and is some good coming out of it. landfill cover. It’s a good thing In fact, these tree chips may the City is moving forward with catch up on the great chip list the project so quickly, as fed- to potato and computer chips.

music festivals that take place in Jackson Heights.

The model said he aims to live his life by an old saying, “If there be righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character. If there be beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the home.

If there be harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation. Where there is order in each nation, there will be peace in the world.”

“I want to take this opportunity to spread the word of peace to everyone,” he said.

Cruise-ing In Queens

Be on the lookout for Superstar Scientologist Tom Cruise who may be visiting Queens in the weeks to come.

Cruise was seen out in Manhattan with Cynthia Jorge, a 26-year-old restaurant manager from Fresh Meadows. According to published reports, Jorge passed Cruise her cell number while he was

having lunch at the restaurant she manages in the lower East Side.

The sizzling set-up comes just six months after Cruise's divorce from Katie Holmes.

The couple reportedly tore up the dance floor in Manhattan last week, leaving many wondering, will the couple start stepping out in Queens next?

Pain in the Butt

A Flushing woman allegedly pretended to be a doctor and performed a butt-enhancement operation on a patient, who fell seriously ill after the bogus operation, reports say.

The 40-year-old victim paid Liliana Coello $2,500 for the procedure which was performed at her home on 157th Liliana Coello Street on Nov. 3.

Coello was slapped with charges of assault, reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of a profession. Police have since confiscated her tools and charged her with criminal possession of a weapon.

New Home For Queeny While the aftermath of Sandy is still being felt throughout the Borough, one

Confidentially, New York . . .

Who We Are @ QConf QConf is edited by: Michael Schenkler.Contributors: Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Steve Ferrari, Megan Montalvo, Mike Nussbaum.

Email: Conf@QueensTribune.com

lucky duck – or chicken, rather - got out just in time.

Queeny, the lovable hen from Forest Hills who made headlines earlier this year after running loose on the streets around Station Square, was recently relocated Upstate in preparation of the Superstorm’s arrival.

Though a group of local residents say that their feathered friend is missed, they are happy to know that she is faring well at her new home in the 16-acre And-Hof-Animal Sanctuary in Catskill.

Instead of hearing sounds of trains and planes passing by, Queeny now spends much of her time frolicking with the 40-plus rescue animals on the grounds, including a pair of chickens that escaped from a Brooklyn slaughterhouse, and Exxon, a duck that was found covered by oil at a truck yard.

Best of all, she no longer has to cross Queens Boulevard to get to the other side.

Queeny, you will be missed.

Jan. 4-10, 2013 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 19

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